Standardise herbal products, says pharmacist

Despite the death of many Nigerians from the consumption of questionable herbal products, the practice is still prevalent, a pharmacist has said.

Former chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Lagos State branch, Mr Bola Oyawole, warned that most herbal concoctions have not been standardised.

He said those that should be consumed are those listed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

According to him, the agency usually lists drugs that have passed its toxicity test and are not harmful or injurious to health.

He said such drugs may not be potent but then, such are not hazardous to health, and as such, safe for consumption. “For the injurious substances that will be going into the body are curtailed,” he added.

Oyawole said water can be a potential danger to health, not to talk of harmful substances that one may not know their sources. “Physicians often advise people to boil water which source is questionable or unknown to prevent diseases,” he added.

He said it is possible that some leaves may have been sprayed with chemicals such as herbicide, pesticides and other dangerous chemicals.

“If herbicides, pesticides sprayed on leaves or plants are used on herbal plants it means another thing has entered into them. And this kills flies and insects so it can harm or kill humans. So people can’t really guarantee what they are taking,” Oyawole said.

A traditional medicine practitioner, Dr Gilbert Ezengige, said herbal plants should be cultivated in a healthy environment because of its significance.

He said well-grown plants often have the required

properties. “Whatever you consume should be able to help your system and not affect it negatively.”